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Posts Tagged ‘artZ Gallery’

Yesterday’s Wordless Wednesday might have seemed like a piece of weirdness.  Some shop front?  What is this place?  Why does Auntie B include this image with her ever-famous photos of glory on her blog?

I know, you have questions galore, but I only have one answer for you, one that comes in story form.

A couple of years ago I was approached by a very skilled artisan asking if I’d like to show my candles at the artZ Gallery in Amery, Wisconsin.  I thought she was joking.  Me?  My candles in a fine arts gallery?  I thought I’d lose my breath for laughing so hard, but then I realized she was serious.

I’ve participated in many craft/art shows in the Wisconsin county of Polk over several years and have come to know a lot of the local artists and crafters in that area.    The artZ Gallery is “a group of 17 regional artists working together to make (the gallery) a place to take pride in and professionally share our talents. The gallery is a gathering place for viewing quality artwork of members and over 40 guest artists, with meaningful communication, the meeting of artists, sharing ideas, and participating in classes.”

Once I got my head around the fact that I was recognizable in the area because of participating in several local festivals and fairs I felt honored to have my candles shown and sold among the fine pieces of art displayed at the gallery.

This week Husby and I took a road trip to Amery to refresh and revive the Auntie B’s Wax inventory at the artZ Gallery.  We brought in lunch and enjoyed it with our friend Loretta, the artist working at the gallery that day.  Spending time in the gallery, talking with Loretta who I’ve known for at least a decade through shows and festivals, and seeing the great works of art on display just made me feel all warm inside.  “I’m a part of this,” I said to myself.  That thought makes me smile.  Always.

Loretta’s yarn. “She spins, weaves, felts, knits and crochets natural fibers to create functional and beautiful pieces to use and enjoy.” I’ve commissioned Loretta to make things for me and let me tell you, they’re glorious! Photo credit: Randy Lee for artZ Gallery

 

That’s why I posted that particular Wordless Wednesday this week.

artZ Gallery in Amery, Wisconsin. Such a cool place!

 

artZ Gallery  is the only place in Amery, Wisconsin where Auntie B’s Wax products are displayed and sold.  If you’re in the mood for some spectacular fine art or fabulous scented candles, visit the artZ gallery!

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There was a tale written by W. W. Jacobs in 1902 titled The Monkey’s Paw; it’s one of my favorites.  The message of the story is, be careful what you wish for because you may just get it.  Interestingly, this sentiment goes back as far as 1749, attributed to Goethe.  The gist of it is, perhaps what you wish for isn’t really what you want, especially in the literal sense.

When I retired from the day job I thought it would be perfect if I could accumulate wholesale and consignment business to sustain my candle/craft business.  I figured it would be easier tending to businesses rather than depending on art/craft shows and festivals.  After all, I’m not getting any younger.  Setting up a canopy and displaying goods to people who may or may not attend the festivals much less purchase items, is becoming more risky, physically.  Oh yeah, Husby and I are still very able to do the shows now, and love to, but we can’t do it forever.

Wholesale and consignment opportunities are what I wished for.  Guess what?  I just nabbed a new one.  I was fortunate enough to be noticed by someone who thought I might be a good addition to a gallery.  Did you hear me?  A gallery.  After encouragement from this person I applied to show my candles in the gallery and the jury decided that yes, Auntie B’s Wax is a nice fit for us.

Today I dropped of my first contribution to the artZ Gallery in Amery, Wisconsin.  I’m so honored and proud that the artists who run the gallery thought so much of my candles to include them in their lovely space.

The artZ Gallery in Amery, Wisconsin.

The artZ Gallery in Amery, Wisconsin.

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I wished for another brick and mortar venue.  I got it, despite my feeling out of my comfort zone pursuing it.  A fine art gallery?!  I’m glad I wasn’t too careful with my wishful thinking.  I feel like I did right by Maude when she said:

“Take a chance.  Get hurt even.  But play as well as you can.  Go team, go!  Give me an “L.”  Give me an “I.”  Give me a “V.”  Give me an “E.”  L-I-V-E.  Live!  Otherwise, you got nothing to talk about in the locker room.”

I wished, I lived, and I’m happy to have done so.  And I’ll talk about it in the locker room.

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